Consultation at this
medical centre in Triplicane comes at a measly two rupees. Inaugurated in 1989,
the Srinivas Young Men’s Association (SYMA) Medical Centre was started as an
affiliate of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Sankara Medical Trust, Besant Nagar, to help
the poor. Today, it has grown into an independent unit that is sustained by the
goodwill of many volunteers, doctors and donors. “Until 2009, Dr. K. Sridhar,
founder trustee, SKKSMT, was rending us all support, including providing free
medicines for patients. Today, we are a self-sufficient centre. We have people
from all walks of life coming for treatment, many of who have become our
benefactors,” says T.J. Ramani, patron of the Association.

Another reason why the
medical centre has been able to cater to so many people is the involvement of
residents, especially the youth. Whether it was prior to a blood donation or
eye testing camp, SYMA’s young brigade went door-to-door to campaign about
these programmes.

Its other initiatives
like asking people to donate a minimum of Rs. 1,000 during birthdays or
anniversaries have ensured that the money keeps coming. Its diagnostic unit,
where tests are conducted for blood pressure, ECG and cholesterol, at
subsidised rate is popular.

“We plan to add a trauma
care and physiotherapy section for which we are searching for a bigger place,”
says Ramani. The 150 sq.ft. building was given by Sri Kanchi Vadikesari Alagia
Manavala Jeer Mutt and we are hoping Triplicane residents would come to its aid
and find it a bigger place, he added.